Erlotinib-Loaded Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Nanocapsules Improve In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Anticlonogenic Effects on Human A549 Lung Cancer Cells

Lung cancer is the most frequent type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This study aimed to develop erlotinib (ELB)-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules (NC_ELB) and evaluated their in vitro cytotoxicity in A549 cells. The formulation was characterized in relation to hydrodynamic diameter (171 nm), polydispersity index (0.076), zeta potential (- 8 mV), drug content (0.5 mg^.mL^-1), encapsulation efficiency (99%), and pH (6.0). NC_ELB presented higher cytotoxicity than ELB in solution against A549 cells in the MTT and LIVE/DEAD cell viability assays after 24 h of treatment. The main mechanism of cytotoxicity of NC_ELB was the induction of apoptosis in A549 cells. Further, a significant decrease in A549 colony formation was verified after NC_ELB treatment in comparison with the unencapsulated drug treatment. The reduction in clonogenic capacity is very relevant as it can reduce the risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis. In conclusion, erlotinib-loaded PCL nanocapsules are promising nanoparticles carriers to increase the efficacy of ELB in lung cancer treatment.

Assessment of unloaded polymeric nanocapsules with different coatings in female rats: Influence on toxicological and behavioral parameters

The unloaded polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) present incredible characteristics as drug carriers. However, the toxicity caused by NCs with different coatings is still a challenge for contemporary toxicology. Allied to this, preclinical studies are performed in males, disregarding possible gender-dependent toxicity. Thus, the aim of present study was to evaluate the influence of different NCs coatings on toxicological and behavioral parameters in female rats. The physicochemical characterization of NCs with different surface coatings: NC1 (Polysorbate 80), NC2 (PEG), NC3 (Eudragit®RS 100) and NC4 (Chitosan) were performed. Female rats were treated with saline, NC1, NC2, NC3 or NC4 daily for 14 days, p.o. After 24 h of last treatment, animals were submitted to behavioral tests. Only after behavioral tests, female rats were euthanized, organs were removed and weighted. After, histopathological, biochemical and oxidative stress analysis were performed. All NCs-coatings did not cause alterations in behavioral tests. For markers of hepatic, renal damage and lipid profile, the different coatings showed a low toxicity. NCs did not alter weight of organs and histopathological analysis. Also, all NCs-coatings did not modify redox balance in organs studied, only NC2 induced a increase of FRAP levels in intestine. This study demonstrated that the different NCs-coatings did not cause behavioral changes and showed a low toxicity in female rats.

Cationic and anionic unloaded polymeric nanocapsules: Toxicological evaluation in rats shows low toxicity

The experimental design aiming at evaluating the performance of drugs nanoencapsulated involves inclusion of a formulation without drug (unloaded). This formulation has sometimes presented per se effect. In this sense, we sought to evaluate the toxicity of unloaded polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) with different surfaces (cationic and anionic) in male Wistar rats in male Wistar rats. The physicochemical characterization of NCs with different surfaces: polysorbate 80 (P80), polyethylene glycol (PEG), eudragit ®RS 100 (EUD) and chitosan (CS) was performed. Rats were treated with unloaded NCs (P80, PEG, EUD and CS surfaces) daily for 14 days per oral route. 24 h of last treatment, animals were euthanized and organs were removed and weighted. After, biochemical determinations were performed. In general, NCs-surfaces did not cause alterations in body weight, weight of organs and histopathological analysis. PEG-surface NCs did not generate hepatotoxicity. In investigation of lipid profile, the surface with P80 changed TC and HDL-C levels. Besides that, all NCs did not alter oxidative stress markers in organs studied (TBARS and Reactive Species) and CS-surface presented antioxidant activity in kidney. This study demonstrated that NCs-surfaces depending on their physicochemical characteristics had low or no toxicity.

Effect of quinine-loaded polysorbate-coated nanocapsules on male and female reproductive systems of rats

Quinine is an antimalarial drug; however, its use is limited by its narrow therapeutic index and elevated side effects. The nanosystems are promising delivery vehicles of antimalarial drugs, enhancing their therapeutic potential. This study aimed to compare the toxicity of quinine and quinine loaded nanocapsules (Q-NC) on the reproductive system of male and female rats. The animals received quinine or Q-NC orally at the same dose of 25 mg kg^-1 for 7 days (real period of quinine therapy in humans). 24 hours after the last administration, the rats were euthanized and the ovarian and testicular tissues were removed for histological and biochemical analyses. The groups treated with quinine presented ovarian and testicular damage, evidenced by the increase of reactive species and malondialdehyde levels, the decrease of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and alterations on total antioxidant capacity. The females presented a decrease of follicular viability and the males presented a decrease of spermatozoa membrane integrity, as well as moderated histological alterations on testis after the exposure to quinine. After the treatment with Q-NC, the males presented decreased reactive species levels and total antioxidant capacity at control levels, as well as spermatozoa with 100% of membrane integrity. The females treated with Q-NC presented reactive species levels, total antioxidant capacity, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity and follicular viability at control levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels when compared to quinine, but not at control levels. This study demonstrated that loading polymeric nanocapsules with quinine decreased the deleterious effects induced by quinine on ovaries and partially on testicles.